Rugby Union

Lions' Sheehan banned for reckless Lynagh clearout

By AAP Newswire

Aug 5, 2025

Nic White, of Australia, squares up to Dan Sheehan (left). -AAP Image

An illegal ruck clearout of Australia's Tom Lynagh in Sydney has earned British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan a four-match suspension.

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Leinster's Sheehan was cited for charging into a ruck and hitting Lynagh's head on Saturday in the third Test, which the Wallabies won 22-12.

Lynagh, 22, kicked a penalty before later leaving the field after failing a head injury assessment, but the incident was not looked at by officials.

Replays showed the 26-year-old's elbow appearing to make contact with Lynagh's head.

At his disciplinary hearing, Sheehan disagreed that foul play occurred. But the panel found it was reckless with a high degree of danger.

The panel suspended him from four club matches in September and October, but allowed him to be available for the fourth match if he completed World Rugby's tackle school.

World Rugby deemed that his actions were "reckless" and went against the law that relates to charging into a ruck or maul.

If he completes the coaching intervention, Sheehan will miss a pre-season game against Cardiff and two United Rugby Championship matches against South African sides Stormers and Sharks.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press